Letters ruined by firework blaze

Letters were torched when arsonists set off a rocket firework into a post box in Thatcham on Friday.

Police say people who used the post box on at the junction of Westfield Road and Henwick Lane may have had their post damaged in the incident which happened between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Firefighters were able to put out the blaze before it damaged all the post in the box but several letters were destroyed.

PCSO Jonathan Coffman said: "People who have used the post box recently should be aware that their mail may have been damaged.

"This was an irresponsible act which highlights the cost of misusing fireworks. This may have seemed like fun but it may have caused important letters to be damaged and could have delayed firefighters and police from attending a real emergency.

"Fireworks are not toys."

Anyone with any information can call PCSO Coffman via 08458 505 505 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.